Page 16 of Teacher's Pet

"I did have one question."

She pauses mid-bite, a small frown tugging at the corners of her mouth as she looks at me, curious.

"Do you know anything about a student named Anastasia Burns?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady, but I’m sure it shakes just a little.

"Ana?" she repeats, her eyes narrowing slightly in thought. "She sits in the back of one of my classes. Not much of a talker. From what I’ve heard, she used to be exclusive with one of the top performers in athletics here-"

"Cole," I clarify, my voice barely above a whisper, a knot tightening in my chest.

"Right," Eden nods slowly, her gaze distant for a moment. "Cole. However, I don’t know much beyond that. Why do you ask?"

I scramble, my thoughts racing as I search for something that sounds believable. My palms sweat, and I push the words out before I lose the chance.

"She’s a bit mouthy in my class," I say, the lie tasting bitter as it leaves my lips. "I just wanted some context as to why that might be."

Eden shrugs nonchalantly, giving me a slight nod, as if it’s not an unusual question to ask. But then her expression softens, and she looks at me with a knowing smile.

"You remind me of myself," she says, her voice carrying a hint of something distant and reflective. "Back in college."

"How so?" I ask, unable to hide my curiosity, even as a strange unease coils in my stomach.

She looks at me for a moment, her smile lingering, before her gaze drifts to the floor. "I’m not sure why, but I have a feeling you would’ve understood Roman and I a lot more than others did at the time."

She doesn’t elaborate, the silence stretching between us, leaving a chill in the air. Her words hang there, unspoken but heavy, like a secret I wasn’t meant to hear.

And I stand there, consumed by a wave of guilt, my mind drifting to darker places, where the silence around me only amplifies the chaos inside.

Chapter 6

Anastasia

I've determined the library is the only place where my mind can finally settle.

Between classes and the whirlwind of whatever wild social activities Elijah drags Megan and me into, this place is my refuge.

A small sliver of peace in the chaos.

As stunning as the gothic architecture is, it’s a shame so few people seem to truly appreciate the space.

The library holds every book you could imagine, its classic literature section stacked with beautiful editions of some of the most iconic works.

I give myself a moment to unwind, knowing I’ll need it if I’m going to survive Elijah’s movie night later. That’s the only way I can make it through his endless movie marathons.

I’m still learning to balance the pull of my friendships with my natural need for solitude.

Curled up on the top level of the library withAnimal Farm, I find a quiet nook near the window, nestled behind towering bookshelves in the farthest corner.

Outside, the sky churns with dark, heavy clouds, wrapping the campus in a dreary overcast.

The sound of rain tapping against the window feels like it’s washing away the weight in my chest, the tranquility of the setting sinking deep into my bones.

I close my eyes, letting the rhythm of the rain calm my racing thoughts.

Cole can’t hurt me.

Nothing from that night will ever come back.

I am okay.

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